Symptoms
- Faint repeat of an image or text appears elsewhere on the same page
- Ghost image often appears at a consistent distance from the original
- Problem is worse on darker or more detailed pages
- More noticeable on laser/toner printers than inkjets
Likely causes
- CommonWorn or damaged drum unit (laser printers)As the photosensitive drum wears, it can retain a faint image from one full rotation to the next.
- PossibleFuser roller issueA worn fuser can leave a faint repeated impression as paper passes through.
- PossibleStatic buildup affecting toner transferExcess static electricity in dry conditions can cause toner to transfer unevenly, including faint ghosting.
- PossibleUsing non-genuine toner not properly calibrated for the printerOff-brand toner can behave differently in the transfer process, increasing ghosting.
What to do
- Measure the distance between the original image and the ghost; a consistent repeat distance often matches the drum's circumference, pointing to drum wear.
- Replace the drum unit if it's a separate, user-replaceable component and has printed significantly more pages than its rated yield.
- Try printing in a room with normal humidity, since very dry air increases static-related ghosting.
- If using non-genuine toner, try a genuine cartridge to compare results.
- Run any built-in printer maintenance or calibration cycle from the printer's menu.
- Check the printer's page count against the drum and fuser's rated life in the manual or manufacturer's site.
Tools and parts
- Ruler (to measure repeat distance)
Drum unit / imaging unitSearch: “[printer model] drum unit”
Fuser unitSearch: “[printer model] fuser unit”
When to call a pro
If replacing the drum unit doesn't resolve consistent ghosting, the fuser assembly is likely the cause and may need professional replacement, especially on office-volume laser printers.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.